"Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature."
― David Hume

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to Scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1953: On THE GUIDING LIGHT, the grand jury began hearing the case of California versus Kathy Lang Grant (Susan Douglas Rubes) with Alice Graham's testimony. This was 13 years before the setting of the show would move from Selby Flats (a suburb of Los Angeles) to Springfield. Kathy was on trial for the murder of Bob Lang, which happened on September 12, 1952.

1970: On ANOTHER WORLD, Alice (Jacqueline Courtney) insisted seeing Steve with Bernice had nothing to do with her looking at Chris in a new light.

1975: Robert J. Stevenson, the actor who appeared in the first episodes of DAYS OF OUR LIVES as a cop who brought Julie to the police station for shoplifting, died of a heart attack. He had given up acting in the late 1960s and was serving as a Los Angeles City Councilman representing the 13th District at the time of his death. His wife took over his seat on the Council.

1981: Lee Patterson aired for the final time as Kevin Cook on TEXAS.

1981: On GENERAL HOSPITAL, Anne Logan (Susan Pratt) prayed for strength and guidance.

1993: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Ryan (Scott Reeves) and Victoria (Heather Tom) visited their therapist again.

1994: On ALL MY CHILDREN, Kendall Hart (Sarah Michelle Gellar) learned her father was a rapist.

2008: Shawn Christian debuted as Daniel Jonas on DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

2010: Daytime actor and writer Roger Newman died at age 69. Among his acting roles was Ken Norris in GUIDING LIGHT.

2010: Actress Nancy Pinkerton died at age 69. She played several different roles in daytime soap operas including originating the part of Dorian Lord in ONE LIFE TO LIVE.